Stimulus recognition training and detection methods

ABSTRACT

A method of monitoring a trainee to determine when the trainee subconsciously identifies an object previously associated with a desired trainee response includes attaching at least one biological response sensor to the trainee and receiving biological response data of the trainee from the at least one biological response sensor. The method further includes comparing the biological response data of the trainee to biological responses linked to different ones of a plurality of trainee responses using a processor in communication with the at least one biological response sensor, the plurality of trainee responses including the desired trainee response, and detecting trainee recognition of the object previously associated with the desired trainee response based, in part, on the biological response data being linked to the desired trainee response included with the plurality of trainee responses. The desired trainee response is below the conscious awareness of the trainee.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional application of and claims priority toU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/676,904, filed Nov. 14, 2012, whichis incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

This invention was made with government support under contract numberW31P4Q-09-C-0222 awarded by the Defense Advanced Research ProjectsAgency (Department of Defense). The government has certain rights in theinvention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Security operations oftentimes involve the completion of multiple and/orhighly complex tasks. For example, some operations may require thesimultaneous performance of more than one task. Other operations involvethe performance of a task using a previously acquired skill and buildingon the skill for successful completion of a subsequent task. Whenperforming the operations, an operator typically use portions of thebrain that govern conscious thought to process information to carry outa task or to make decisions on whether to act. The unconscious mind ofthe operator is not accessed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the invention relates to a system for conditioning atrainee to recognize one or more objects or, e.g., persons. Otherembodiments including other systems, methods, and products are alsodisclosed.

In one embodiment, the above-described method additionally oralternatively includes receiving biological response data of the traineewhile the trainee is performing a task, and comparing the biologicalresponse data of the trainee to biological responses linked to differentones of a plurality of trainee responses, the plurality of traineeresponses including the desired trainee response. The method furtherincludes detecting trainee recognition of one of the one or more objectspreviously associated with the desired trainee response based, in part,on the biological response data being linked to the desired traineeresponse included with the plurality of trainee responses. The desiredtrainee response is below the conscious awareness of the trainee. Otherembodiments, methods, systems, etc. are also described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will be described with respect to thefigures, in which like reference numerals denote like elements, and inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for enhancing trainee object orstimulus learning and recognition, according to one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram detailing a system including a main operatorsite and a client site of the system of FIG. 1, according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a depiction of how an original stimulus image is modified toan altered stimulus image, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a priming sequence for use inenhancing trainee object or stimulus learning and recognition, accordingto one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a graphical representation of a response of a trainee to anexposure of a stimulus, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a method of for enhancing trainee object orstimulus learning and recognition, according to one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7 is a graphical representation of the response of the trainee toan exposure of a stimulus during real-time, according to one embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of a method of operating the system of FIG. 1including more than one client site, according to one embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description should be read with reference to thedrawings, in which like elements in different drawings are numbered inlike fashion. The drawings depict selected embodiments and are notintended to limit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the artwill recognize that many of the examples provided may have suitablealternatives that could be utilized with out departing from the spiritof the invention.

Learning new information can demand a great deal of time and attention.As a result, absorbing new information may be challenging. Improvedsystems and methods are now provided for training a person (alsoreferred to as “trainee”) to learn new information while requiringextremely low demands on attention and cognitive processes. In oneembodiment, a method includes priming the trainee by allowing thetrainee to view a target image representing a new object or stimulus(i.e., the new information). The trainee views the target image and aseparate, visceral response-evoking image, each for a duration that isbelow conscious awareness. Pairing the target image with visceralresponse-evoking images, either positive or negative emotion-evokingimages, encourages the trainee's mind to form a link between the twoimages. In particular, if the target image is paired with a positive ornegative emotion-evoking image, the trainee's mind associates the targetimage with a positive or negative emotion.

In one embodiment, during priming, the trainee's biological responsedata is monitored. More particularly, biological response data fromviewing the target image and the visceral response-evoking image aresensed and subsequently stored in a database. Biological response datafrom repeated exposures to the target image and visceralresponse-evoking images are used to create a trainee's historicalbiological response record. When the target image or the stimulus isreintroduced to the trainee after priming, a real-time biologicalresponse data is sensed and, in one example, compared to data in thetrainee's historical biological response record. Recognition of thestimulus is detected when the real-time biological response data issubstantially similar to or otherwise within predefined tolerances orranges of (e.g., within 5% of) the data in the trainee's historicalbiological response record. In one embodiment, in addition to or as analternative to collecting historical biological responses in a databaseand comparing real-time biological response data thereto, stimulusrecognition by a trainee is detected when a spike or other substantiallysignificant change is identified in the real-time biological responsescollected over a series of biological responses.

By presenting the target and visceral response-evoking images to thetrainee for durations that are below conscious awareness, the trainee isunaware that he/she is viewing, and hence, learning, the images. Inparticular, the trainee performs an operation unrelated to the learningusing one part of his/her brain that allows for conscious awareness andwhile simultaneously accessing another portion of his/her brain(allowing for conditioning without awareness) that is not otherwisebeing used. As such, the trainee is able to perform the operationwithout consciously or noticeably dividing his/her attention between animmediate task and learning stimuli. Additionally, pairing target imageswith other non-target images (e.g., visceral response-evoking images)conditions the trainee to physically react to the target image (orstimulus) when the image is reintroduced into view.

The above-mentioned systems and methods have a variety of practicaluses. For instance, the systems and methods can be employed in asecurity context to train a security guard, baggage screener, ortransportation security agent to recognize a nefarious item, person,place, or the like. In another example, the systems and methods areimplemented in a medical setting in which the trainee is a doctor,nurse, or other medical worker. In still other examples, the systems andmethods are used by the military to train soldiers or civilians.Although the systems and methods will be described below as part of asecurity system, it will be appreciated that still other various usesare also contemplated.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system 10 for enhancing trainee object orstimulus learning and recognition. System 10 includes a main operatorsite 12 accessible by one or more administrators and one or more clientsites 14 connected to one or more trainees. Main operator site 12 islocated at a designated main control site. Each client site 14 islocated remote from main operator site 12 and is coupled through anetwork to main operator site 12. The network is a local area network,wide area network, wireless network, cellular network, or another typeof network suitable for providing communications capabilities betweenmain operator site 12 and client site 14.

Main operator site 12 allows the administrator to control stimuli ortarget images on which trainees are to be trained, to monitor traineesat client sites 14, and/or to detect recognition of stimuli by thetrainees. In an embodiment, main operator site 12 includes a processoror server 16 and a database 18.

Server 16 provides the administrator with a user interface forinteracting with system 10 and communicates with database 18 and clientsites 14. In an embodiment, server 16 is a computer system or otherhardware. In any case, server 16 provides a training and detectionapplication operable to employ stimuli and non-stimuli images tocondition the trainee to recognize the stimuli and to detect traineerecognition of the stimuli or objects. Additionally, server 16 allowsthe administrator to perform administrative tasks, such as uploading newstimuli and non-stimuli images, assigning stimuli on which to betrained, setting the timing and sequencing of a training schedule, andremoving or grouping stimuli and non-stimuli images for training. Server16 also allows the administrator to audit training data for determiningwhether the trainees are performing adequately during conditioning andvalidation trials, and to review information related to each trainee.

Server 16 retrieves data from database 18, which stores the stimuli andnon-stimuli images, information related each trainee, and, in oneembodiment, receives and stores biological response data from traineesconnected to system 10. Database 18 is located in a memory device onmain operator site 12 or, alternatively, in virtual memory locatedremote from, but still accessible by, main operator site 12.

Each client site 14 is operable to run the training and detectionapplication locally and/or to collect biological response data from thetrainees during conditioning and non-conditioning exercises. Clientsites 14 are operable to execute one or more computer applicationsand/or to display one or more series of images simultaneously with andunrelated to the stimuli and non-stimuli images provided by the trainingand detection application. In one embodiment, client sites 14 bothsupport a primary trainee task fully appreciated by the trainee whilesimultaneously presenting training images to the trainee in a manner notconsciously detected by the trainee.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram detailing portions of main operator site 12and client site 14. Generally, main operator site 12 includes aprocessor 26, a display 28, an input device 29, a database 30, andtraining and detection application 31. Processor 26 communicates withdisplay 28 and is operable to execute instructions from training anddetection application 31. Display 28 provides a graphical user interfaceto the administrator. Input device 29 is operable to allow theadministrator to input information to system 10. Input device 29includes one or more of a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a touchpad, oranother device configured to allow the administrator to communicate withsystem 10.

In one example, database 30 is similar to database 18 described above.Additionally, in one embodiment, database 30 includes an images database32 and a trainee database 33. Images database 32 stores stimuli andnon-stimuli images, and trainee database 33 stores individual traineerecords. Each individual trainee record includes trainee information,for example, identifying information, personality traits, work history,data related to stimuli training such as biological response data, datarelated to past object recognition events, and other information relatedto a trainee. In one embodiment, trainee database 33 is eliminatedand/or does not include historical biological response data for thetrainee other than very recent response data for comparison for spikesor other changes in readings being monitored.

In one example, images database 32 is created when, the administratoruploads one or more stimulus images in an unaltered state for storage inimages database 32 or in temporary memory. Stimuli images include, butare not limited to, pictures of wanted persons, such as bad actorsincluding known or suspected terrorists or criminals, and pictures ofweapons, devices, or other items security or intelligence personnelwould have a need to recognize. In one embodiment, each unalteredstimulus image is saved in a recognizable format, such as animportable/exportable bit image in .BMP, .TIFF, .PNG, .PSD, .TGA, .JPEG,or another format.

As noted above, training and detection application 31 is operable tocondition the trainee to recognize stimuli without conscious awareness.To do so, training and detection application 31 includes a maskingmodule 34, a priming module 35, a sensing module 37, and an analysis anddetection module 38. Masking module 34 is operable with processor 26 andimages database 32 to jumble one or more of the stimuli images and/ornon-stimuli images to form jumbled images 61 (see FIG. 4). Jumbling theimages helps to hide the stimuli and/or non-stimuli images fromconscious awareness and is used to ensure decay of the stimuli imagesfrom iconic memory while allowing the stimuli and non-stimuli images toremain within the trainee's subconscious.

In one example, training and detection application 31 additionallyincludes image manipulation module 36 to modify selected features of oneor more of the original images while in other examples the stimulusimages are substantially unaltered. In an example, the stimulus includesan image of a person, and the administrator has a desire to alter one ormore facial features of the image of the person. The administratoremploys image manipulation module 36 to manipulate facial featuresexhibiting a neutral or non-angry appearance into features displaying adifferent emotional state. In some cases, a trainee is more apt to learna facial image when the facial image has an angry appearance. Thus,image manipulation module 36 may modify an original neutral facial imageto one having an angry appearance. For example, as illustrated in FIG.3, a happy or neutral original facial image 42 is altered by anglingeyebrows toward the bridge of the person's nose, widening or flaring theperson's nostrils, narrowing the person's eyes, and/or adding othersubtle known modifications (exaggerated in image 43). FIG. 3 shows anoriginal facial image 42 and a resulting new, angrified image 44 createdby image manipulation module 36. In another example, the non-angryfacial features are altered by image manipulation module 36 so that theperson exhibits another non-angry appearance, such as a crazed, sad,remorseful, coy, joyful, elated, or happy. In still other embodiments,facial features in the image of the person are exaggerated by imagemanipulation module 36 calling attention to the more pronouncedfeatures. After the selected original facial images 42 are transformedinto new images 44, the new images 44 are stored as new files in imagesdatabase 32. In one embodiment, original facial images 42 are saveddirectly to images database 32 without any or at least withoutsubstantial manipulation or other alteration.

Priming module 35 is operable with processor 26 and client site 14 todisplay stimuli images at client sites 14 in order to condition traineesto recognize stimuli in a manner that is below conscious awareness. Inone embodiment, priming module 35 is operable to display stimuli images,which can include angry facial images 44, followed by non-stimuli images46 (as depicted in a priming sequence 60 illustrated in FIG. 4). Each ofstimuli and non-stimuli images 44 and 46 is displayed for a durationthat is below conscious awareness.

Non-stimuli images 46 generally include memorable images that are notstimuli images 44. In one embodiment, non-stimuli images 46 includevisceral response-evoking images that evoke a desired, automaticbiological response from a trainee when viewed. Examples of suchvisceral response-evoking images includes those of vicious or attackinganimals (as shown in FIG. 4), extreme negative images such as war crimeimages, images depicting crimes against humanity or animals, sexuallyarousing images, electric shocks, or images of other heinous acts thatevoke anger, fear, or other strong negative feelings. In anotherexample, the visceral response-evoking images additionally oralternatively are selected to evoke positive feelings.

Priming module 35 includes a component operable to allow theadministrator to customize the display of stimuli and non-stimuli imagesto each trainee. As will be appreciated, each individual trainee mayhave a different response to the types of images that evoke a visceralresponse. Thus, priming module 35 includes a component for theadministrator to evaluate a trainee's particular traits and to identifyand select visceral response-evoking images from images database 32 thatelicit the greatest response from the trainee. The priming module 35further allows the administrator to assign those identified images withthe trainee's record for use with the display of stimuli images.

The component of priming module 35 also allows the administrator to setthe length of time the trainee is exposed to stimuli and non-stimuliimages. As briefly mentioned above, trainees are exposed to stimuliimages 44 followed by non-stimuli images 46 for periods of time that arebelow that of conscious awareness. In this regard, priming module 35 canbe set to flash images 44 and 46 at client site 14 for very shortperiods, such as for a few milliseconds. In one example, each image 44and 46 is flashed for a duration of between about 5 milliseconds andabout 25 milliseconds. In other examples, the duration is longer orshorter than the aforementioned range.

The priming module 35 also allows the administrator to set a sequence inwhich to display images 44 and 46. For example, the administrator canset the priming module 35 to display of one or more stimuli images 44immediately followed by the display of one or more non-stimuli images 46(e.g., no intervening images are shown). Alternatively, the sequenceincludes displaying a single stimulus image 44 followed by a singlenon-stimulus image 46. In another alternative, the sequence includesmore than one stimulus image 44 followed by a single non-stimulus image46, or vice versa.

To further ensure priming occurs below conscious awareness, primingmodule 35 is operable to display stimuli and non-stimuli images 44 and46 while other computer applications are running at client site 14. Inone embodiment, priming module 35 displays stimuli images 44 andvisceral response images 46 as intervening images while the traineefocuses attention on a screen to perform a task based on applicationimages 62 unrelated to priming. In an example, the trainee engages inviewing a series of application images 62 on a screen (e.g., a trainingvideo, a movie, a computer application, baggage or body images, X-raysor other images of persons in various contexts (such as travelers,patients, visitors of secure sites and the like)) or otherwise focuseson operating a computer application (e.g., performing research on theInternet or a gaming activity). As the trainee views the screen, images44 and 46 are flashed on the screen exposing the trainee to images 44and 46 in a manner consciously unbeknownst to the trainee while thetrainee consciously views application images 62.

In one example, priming module 35 includes a masking module 34configured to provide additional assurances that the priming processremains below the conscious awareness of the trainee. In one embodiment,masking module 34 is configured to provide masked or jumbled images 61to be interposed on the screen being viewed by the trainee along withscreen images 44 and 46. Use of jumbled images 61 intermixed with images44 and 46, for example, immediately before and/or following stimuliimages 44, is employed to ensure decay of stimuli images 44 from theconscious memory of the trainee while not degrading the visceral feelingattached to the corresponding non-stimuli images 46 from the unconscioustrainee memory.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of an example priming sequence 60 foruse in enhancing trainee object or stimulus learning and recognition.Priming sequence 60 occurs over a period of time. At t=0, a series ofcomputer application images 62 are displayed. Next, at least one frameof jumbled images 61 are displayed at t=1. Although one frame of each ofimages 61 and 62 are illustrated, it should be understood that fewer ormore can be included. Each of those images 61 and 62 are displayed for aduration that is above conscious awareness of the trainee. In oneembodiment, images 61 are presented at durations that are belowconscious awareness, but may reach conscious awareness because suchimages can remain in iconic memory if image 62 is not sufficient toerase them from iconic memory; in other embodiments, images 61 do notreach conscious awareness. At t=2, stimulus image 44 is displayed for aduration that is below conscious awareness of the trainee. Next, at t=3,one or more frames of image 61 is displayed and at t=4 image 62 isdisplayed. Subsequently at t=5, a non-stimulus 46 is displayed, followedby the display of one or more frames of images 61 at t=6 and 62 at t=7.Other suitable series of image displays including images 44, 46, and 62and, in one embodiment, images 61 will be apparent to those of skill inthe art reading the present application.

As briefly noted above, biological response data of the trainee iscollected during training and resting periods. Sensing module 37receives biological response data from each client site 14. Biologicalresponse data includes one or more biological data measurements, such asskin conductance response data (i.e., galvanic skin response data) pulsedata, pupil dilation measurements, brain wave data (measured by anelectroencephalogram or by infrared activity brain sensors), heart ratedata, or other biological response data having a relatively consistentreading during a resting period. A resting period occurs when nodiscrete event is being presented to the trainee. The resting periodincludes periods of rest or period of performing a task entirelyunrelated to training, e.g., while images 62 are viewed withoutsubstantially interruption by images 44 and/or 46. In other embodiments,sensing module 37 is operable to aggregate several different types ofbiological data measurements from one trainee and to send the data toanalysis and detection module 38. Biological response data are stored intrainee database 33.

Analysis and detection module 38 is operable to analyze the biologicalresponse data received by sensing module 37 for the detection of arecognition event. In one embodiment, analysis and detection module 38receives skin conductance-related biological data collected by sensingmodule 37 during one or more resting periods to establish a baselinebiological reading or baseline or tonic skin conductance level. Duringtraining (e.g., when skin conductance data from the trainee changes asthe trainee observes images 44 and images 46), analysis and detectionmodule 38 determines an onset latency period, a peak latency period, anda peak amplitude from each skin conductance data received from sensingmodule 37. In a graphical representation as illustrated in FIG. 5, overtime (indicated on x-axis 502 from t=0 to t=2), biological response datais measured (indicated by y-axis 504). Baseline level is established ator before t=0. A stimulus is presented at t=0 followed by the onsetlatency period from t=0 to t=1. The onset latency period is a period oftime from exposure to the stimulus image to an onset of a response tothe stimulus image. At t=1, the biological response begins an ascent toa peak at t=2, where a peak amplitude can be measured. The peakamplitude is a difference between a measurement at onset to peak. Thepeak latency period is a period of time from the onset of the responseto the stimulus image to a measured peak of the response (e.g., from t=0to t=2).

Over time and after multiple exposures to images 44 and 46, analysis anddetection module 38 develops a historical biological response record foreach trainee based, in part, on the collected biological response data.Historical biological response records for each trainee are stored intrainee database 33. In an embodiment, analysis and detection module 38later uses the historical biological response data from trainee database33 to detect stimuli recognition without the trainee's consciousawareness. In one embodiment, historical biological response records arenot stored for each trainee other than a sufficient sampling ofcollected biological response data to recognize peaks or other tellingchanges in the collected data that may indicate recognition of stimuli.

Training and detection application operates with client site 14 tocondition trainee to recognize the stimulus and to detect a recognitionevent. With continued reference to FIG. 2, client site 14 includes aprocessor 50, a display 52, a sensor 54, a sensing module 56, and,optionally, a computer application module 58 and/or input device 59.Processor 50 is operable to execute instructions from main operator site12 and from computer application module 58, if included, to displayimages on display 52. For example, priming module 35, in operation withprocessor 50 and display 52, displays each image 44 and 46 on display 52for the trainee to observe for a duration that is below consciousawareness. In one embodiment, display 52 displays a seemingly blankscreen or screensaver while simultaneously flashing images 44 and 46.

Alternatively, computer application module 58, in operation withprocessor 50 and display 52, runs one or more non-training and detectionapplications for trainee to engage with, while operating concurrentlywith priming module 35 to display images 44 and 46. In an example,computer application module 58 is operable to run Internet applications,content access software, media players, word processing programs, orother types of office suite software, engineering software, simulationsoftware, or any other type of software designed to help the traineecomplete tasks. In another example, client site 14 is employed forairport security purposes, and computer application module 58 isoperable with processor 50 and display 52 to display baggage orpassenger images, while priming module 35 is operable via processor 50and display 52 to flash images 44 and 46 in between the baggage and/orpassenger images.

Sensor 54 operates in conjunction with sensing module 56 to sensebiological response data from the trainee at client site 14 and attachesto or resides in the proximity of the trainee. Suitable sensors 54include, but are not limited to devices including two pre-wired Ag/AgClelectrodes each with a housing filled with a conductive gel forattachment to a medial phalanx of the index and middle fingers of anon-dominant hand each having a disposable adhesive collar disposedthereover for measuring skin conductance, a pulse transducer forattachment to a ring finger of the non-dominant hand for measuring heartrate, a pupil measurement device, or another device (e.g., more readilyportable devices) configured to detect biological response data of thetrainee. As sensor 54 senses the biological response of the trainee,sensing module 56 is operable with processor 50 to collect thebiological data and to send the data to main operator site 12.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a method 100 of conditioning a trainee tolearn a stimulus, according to an embodiment. Method 100 begins at 102with the preparation of one or more stimuli or target images to whichthe trainee will be exposed. In an embodiment, the stimulus or targetimage is used for conditioning a trainee to recognize a person and thusincludes a frontal or side view of a facial image of the person. Toprepare the target image, the administrator employs media, movie makeror another type of software to isolate the facial image of the person byzooming in on the person's face and/or removing non-facial portions ofthe image. As noted briefly above, the administrator may have a desireto alter the facial image. For example, the facial image may have aneutral original appearance, and the administrator may want to alter thefacial image to exhibit an emotional appearance in order to increasetrainee association of the facial image to an emotion. For example,additionally or alternatively, the facial image is further modified froma happy, sad, neutral, or angry appearance to another appearance. Inthis regard, the administrator uses morphing or animation software (asdescribed above in conjunction with image manipulation module 36) toalter facial features of the facial image without altering an identityof the person. In an embodiment, if more than one target image is to bepresented to the trainee, each facial image is modified accordingly. Inany case, the target image is stored in an images database (e.g., imagesdatabase 32).

Non-stimuli images are selected, at 104, to be presented along with thetarget image in future steps of method 100 (as will be described later).The non-stimuli images include, but are not limited to visceralresponse-evoking images that elicit an immediate, automatic, desiredbiological response when viewed by the trainee. Examples of visceralresponse-evoking images include those that cause one to feel threatened,such as those showing a vicious, attacking, or threatening animal (e.g.,a grizzly bear, dog, lion, snake, wolf, shark, or other animal) orientedtoward the trainee, a person poised in a lunging or attacking stance, ora person in a threatening situation (e.g., with a tarantula on his/herface or being attacked by an animal or person). The non-stimuli imagesare stored in the images database (e.g., images database 32) asavailable non-stimuli images.

Customized training and detection applications are prepared for eachindividual trainee at 106. In an example, the administrator selectsparticular non-stimuli images to be displayed to the trainee and toevoke a desired trainee response. Depending on individualcharacteristics of the trainees, each non-stimuli image may garnerdiffering responses from individual trainees. To determine whichnon-stimuli image best elicits the correct response from the trainee,data relating to the trainee's individual personality traits and/orphobias are collected and stored in a database (e.g., trainee database33) and used to improve trainability. For example, personality traitssuch as the need to evaluate, anxiety, neuroticism, extroversion, andpsychoticism affect trainability. In particular, those with a higherneed to evaluate, higher anxiety level, higher neuroticism, those whoare more extroverted, or those with a higher psychoticism level havebeen found to be easier to train than those with lower levels of theaforementioned traits.

The administrator can identify the trainee's personality traits and mayselect one or more non-stimuli images to accompany the stimuli imagesbased on the personality traits. Thus, those visceral response-evokingimages that are more negative than other images can be used to accompanyimages to be shown to trainees with lower levels of the aforementionedtraits. In another example, images related to the particular trainee'sphobias are used (e.g., if a particular trainee is known to be scared ofspiders, use of photographs or other depictions of spiders as stimuliimages would be likely to produce a larger and, therefore, moreeffective response).

In another example, the administrator refers to the trainee's historicalbiological response record to determine an optimal duration for imageexposure and customizes the training and detection application to showimages 44 and 46 to the trainee for the optimal duration. After theimages are selected, the administrator provides input to theadministrator site (e.g., administrator site 12) to instruct a clientsite (e.g., client site 14) to begin running the priming module.

To collect the trainee's historical biological response data,optionally, sensors are attached to the trainee at a client site (e.g.,client site 14) for collecting skin response data (e.g., sensor 54) at108. In an example, the trainee attaches electrodes to an index and amiddle finger of the trainee's hand, and/or attaches a finger cuff tothe trainee's ring finger. Additionally, the trainee may be engaged inan unrelated activity during which attention is to be paid to a display(e.g., display 52). For example, the trainee may be passively viewing avideo, a movie, or a series of images. In another example, the traineeis actively participating in a screening activity, such as reviewingbaggage x-rays and/or x-rays of airport, train, bus or other passengersor visitors of a building. In still another example, the trainee issurfing the Internet or engaging in a gaming activity.

The stimuli images and non-stimuli images are presented to the traineefor durations that are below conscious awareness at 110. While thetrainee's attention is on display 52, images 44 and 46 are flashed onthe screen. In an embodiment, stimulus image 44 is flashed on the screenfor several milliseconds or another duration below conscious awarenessfollowed by a several millisecond flash of non-stimulus image 46. Eachof images 44 and 46 are flashed for about 5 milliseconds to 25milliseconds. Alternatively, the trainee is exposed to images 44 and/or46 for shorter or longer durations. Images 44 and 46 are shownimmediately successively, in an embodiment. In another embodiment, aduration of about 5 millisecond to one second is included betweenshowing of images 44 and 46. The display of the same images 44 and 46may be repeated. For example, images 44 and/or 46 are presented to thetrainee fifteen to twenty-five times each. In other embodiments, thetrainee is exposed to images 44 and/or 46 more or fewer times than theaforementioned range.

According to an embodiment, more than one stimulus image 44 are to belearned. In such instance, each target image 44 is flashed, followed bynon-stimulus image 46, for durations below conscious awareness. Theduration of non-exposure between the showings of each set of images(i.e., one stimulus image 44 and one non-stimulus image 46) can be atpredetermined or random intervals. For example, the duration between thesets are a few seconds to a few minutes. Each set of images are shown ina repetitive loop, in an embodiment. Thus, the sets are in a set orderand shown in the same order. Alternatively, the sets of images are in noset order, but are shown repetitively at random. Over time and aftermultiple exposures to images 44 and 46, the trainees become conditionedto react to stimuli images 44 so that stimuli images 44 becomeconditioned stimuli images. In particular, the trainee's mind links thedesired trainee response (elicited by the non-stimuli images) to theobject in a manner characterized by an absence of conscious awareness ofthe link by the trainee.

Biological data relating to the trainee's response to the target imagesare recorded at 112. The sensor (e.g., sensor 54) attached to thetrainee detects skin conductance responses (e.g., from the electrodesattached to the trainee's index and middle fingers) and/or pulse rate(e.g., from the finger cuff). Results are received by sensing module 56at the client site (e.g., client site 14).

Returning to 106, in one embodiment, stimuli images and non-stimuliimages are presented to the trainee for durations that allow the traineeto consciously register the images alternatively at 113. Consciouslearning of the images is included to present a more accurate set ofbiological response data for historical biological response records.After conscious viewing of the images, biological data in response tothe viewing is recorded at 112.

In any case, the results of the biological response data are processedand analyzed at 114. In particular, the biological response data is sentfrom client site 14 to the main site (e.g., site 12). In an embodiment,analysis and detection module 38 monitors and collects the trainee'sbiological response data recording the values for the onset and peaklatencies and peak amplitudes for each response to each conditionedstimulus image. Repetitive exposure to each target image 44 allowsanalysis and detection module 38 to create a baseline biological readingor the historical biological data record for each trainee includingaverage expected values for each onset and peak latencies and peakamplitudes. Hence, over time and as a result of exposures to the images44 and 46, the baseline biological readings and/or the historicalbiological data record include a plurality of biological responses, eachbeing linked to a desired trainee response.

Trainee identification of the conditioned stimuli images is then testedat 116. For example, a real-life object represented in the conditionedstimulus image may come into view of the trainee, e.g., a person shownin the stimuli image may cross paths with the trainee. In anotherexample, the administrator provides an input to the system to displayone of the conditioned stimuli images. In any case, exposure to theperson or the image may elicit a biological response from the trainee.

FIG. 7 is a graphical representation of the skin conductance response ofthe trainee to an exposure of a stimulus during real-time. At t=0, thetrainee views images or objects that are not represented in theconditioned stimuli images and biological response data is collected. Att=1, the trainee notices the image or real-life object represented inone of the conditioned stimuli images. A biological response to theexposure begins at t=2. In particular, onset latency occurs between t=1to t=2, where onset occurs. At t=3, the biological response reaches apeak amplitude and then drops after t=3. The real-time biologicalresponse data, which is detected by analysis and detection module 38, iscompared to the trainee's baseline data or historical biologicalresponse record. If the real-time biological response data issubstantially similar to the trainee's historical biological responserecord, analysis and detection module 38 classifies the response as anobject recognition event. In an embodiment, if the real-time biologicalresponse data appears similar to biological response data linked to adesired trainee response, trainee recognition of the object previouslyassociated with that desired trainee response is detected. Subsequently,analysis and detection module 38 sends an alert to the administrator orto another individual proximate the trainee. It will be appreciated thatother types of response data are collected in other embodiments.

According to an embodiment, more than one trainee is conditioned toreact to the conditioned stimuli images. FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of amethod 200 of operating network 10 including more than one client site14 and one or more sensors, each of which is attached to a trainee, inaccordance with an embodiment. First, 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, and114 of method 100 are performed for each individual trainee at 202.Specifically, the administrator prepares one or more stimuli images at102 and selects non-stimuli images at 104 for each individual trainee.Customized training and detection applications are prepared for eachtrainee at 106, and each trainee is attached to a sensor or other devicefor detecting biological response at a client site at 108. The stimuliand non-stimuli images are presented to each trainee for durations thatare below conscious awareness at 110. Biological response data iscollected for each trainee at 112, and the results of the biologicalresponse data are processed and analyzed at 114. In an embodiment, theprocessed and analyzed response data yields historical biological datarecords individualized for each trainee and the historical biologicaldata records, the results from the processing and analysis, biologicalresponse data and other data are stored in individual trainee files intrainee database 33.

Trainee identification of conditioned stimuli images is then tested at204. Specifically, one or more of the trainees are exposed to one ormore of the conditioned stimuli images or a real-life object that isdepicted in the conditioned stimuli images. In an embodiment, testingoccurs as a controlled event, and the administrator selects one or moretrainees to expose. For example, the administrator may provide input tomain operator site 12 to instruct a selected or a random client site 14to display one or more of the conditioned stimuli images. In anotherembodiment, the administrator may instruct a person whose likeness isrepresented by one of the conditioned stimuli images or a personcarrying an object having a likeness represented by one of theconditioned stimuli images to come into view of one or more of theselected trainees.

In another example, testing is a random event and not controlled by theadministrator. In such case, the person or object having a likeness toone of the conditioned stimuli images randomly appears in the view ofone or more of the trainees. The trainees are not pre-selected and mayor may not see the person or object.

When biological response data from one or more of the trainees issubstantially similar to the corresponding trainee's historicalbiological response record, the administrator is alerted at 206 as tothe occurrence of a recognition event. Specifically, analysis anddetection module 38 synthesizes real-time biological response datacollected at all of client sites 14 and determines whether one or moreof client sites 14 detects biological responses from trainees at therespective client sites 14. If a biological response is detected,analysis and detection module 38 compares the biological response datato historical biological response records previously established for thetrainee. If the biological response data is substantially similar tohistorical biological response record collected during training,analysis and detection module 38 provides an alert to the administratorindicating the recognition event.

In another embodiment, the administrator is alerted to a recognitionevent only if the biological response data of more than one othertrainee is substantially similar to biological response datacorresponding to the trainee. For example, analysis and detection module38 monitors the biological response data of all of the trainees, and thebiological response data for each of the other trainees are compared tobiological response data previously detected for the trainee. If so,analysis and detection module 38 provides an alert to the administrator.

The alert is a visual, audible or other sensory indication. In anexample, analysis and detection module 38 is operable with display 28 ofmain operator site 12 to display a sign, message, blinking lights, orother visual notification or to play a sound or verbal indication. Inanother example, main operator site 12 further includes an alert device(not shown) and analysis and detection module 38 is operable with thealert device, which may be a light or other visual device, to blink orchange in appearance. Alternatively, the alert device is a loudspeakeror noisemaker which analysis and detection module 38 to whichinstruction is provided to make a noise. In still another example, thealert is implemented as a tactile or olfactory indication.

Innovative systems and methods have now been described that allowtrainee learning of new information and later recognition of the learnedinformation without the conscious attention and awareness of thetrainee. By employing priming techniques that occur without thetrainee's conscious awareness, the trainee becomes familiar with astimulus and recognizes the stimulus through unconscious biologicalresponse. The above-described training and recognition systems andmethods employ little to no attentional demand and do not interfere withother non-training tasks.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the presentinvention may be embodied as a system, method or computer programproduct. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may take the formof an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment(including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or anembodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may allgenerally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.”Furthermore, aspects of the present invention may take the form of acomputer program product embodied in one or more computer readablemedium(s) having computer readable program code embodied thereon.

Any combination of one or more computer readable medium(s) may beutilized. The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signalmedium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readablestorage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic,magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system,apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. Morespecific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer readablestorage medium would include the following: an electrical connectionhaving one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, arandom access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber,a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storagedevice, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable storagemedium may be any tangible medium that can contain, or store a programfor use by or in connection with an instruction execution system,apparatus, or device.

Program code embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmittedusing any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless,wired, optical fiber cable, infrared, etc., or any suitable combinationof the foregoing. Computer program code for carrying out operations foraspects of the present invention may be written in any combination ofone or more programming languages, including an object orientedprogramming language such as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like andconventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C”programming language or similar programming languages. The program codemay execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user'scomputer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user'scomputer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remotecomputer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may beconnected to the user's computer through any type of network, includinga local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or theconnection may be made through an external computer (for example,through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).

The flowchart and block diagram in the above figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowcharts and block diagrams may represent a module, segment, orportion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be notedthat, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in theblock may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, twoblocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantiallyconcurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverseorder, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be notedthat each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, andcombinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchartillustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-basedsystems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations ofspecial purpose hardware and computer instructions.

Although the invention has been described with respect to particularembodiments, such embodiments are for illustrative purposes only andshould not be considered to limit the invention. Various alternativesand changes will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art uponreading this application.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of monitoring a trainee to determinewhen the trainee subconsciously identifies one of one or more objectspreviously associated with a conditioned trainee response, the methodcomprising: attaching at least one biological response sensor to thetrainee; receiving biological response data of the trainee from the atleast one biological response sensor while the trainee is performing atask, wherein receiving biological response data includes receivingbiological response data from more than one trainee who has beenconditioned to associate one of one or more objects with the conditionedtrainee response by viewing one or more stimuli images followed by oneor more visceral response-evoking images, one of the one or more stimuliimages depicting the object, and each of the stimuli images and thevisceral response-evoking images having been presented for a durationbelow conscious awareness of the more than one trainee; comparing thebiological response data of the trainee to biological responses linkedto ones of a plurality of trainee responses using a processor incommunication with the at least one biological response sensor, theplurality of trainee responses including the conditioned traineeresponse; detecting trainee recognition of one of the one or moreobjects previously associated with the conditioned trainee responsebased, in part, on the biological response data being linked to theconditioned trainee response included with the plurality of traineeresponses, where the presence of the object was unknown to the traineeand to monitors of the trainee prior to detection of trainee recognitionof the one or more objects; determining whether the biological responsedata of more than one trainee matches the conditioned trainee responsesfor the trainees; and providing an alert when the biological responsedata of more than one trainee matches the conditioned trainee responsesfor the trainees indicating multiple trainee recognition of the one ormore objects; wherein the conditioned trainee response is belowexhibited in a manner outside the conscious awareness of the trainee. 2.The method of claim 1, wherein the task is substantially unrelated toidentification of the one or more objects.
 3. The method of claim 1,further comprising: if trainee recognition of the one or more objects isdetected, providing an indication to alert one or more of the traineeand individuals proximate the trainee to the trainee recognition of theone of the one or more objects, wherein the individuals proximate to thetrainee were unaware of the presence of the one or more objects beforethe indication to alert.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein providing theindication to alert includes alerting a main operator site remote from aclient operation site, and the trainee is located at the clientoperation site.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein: the biologicalresponse data includes a galvanic skin response.
 6. The method of claim1, wherein: the biological response data includes heart rate data. 7.The method of claim 1, wherein: the biological response data includesbrain activity data.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:creating a historical biological response record of a specific traineebased on the received biological response data of the specific trainee;and comparing real-time biological response data of the specific traineeresulting from viewing the object to the historical biological responseof the specific trainee.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein: thehistorical biological response record includes the conditioned traineeresponse observed when the trainee views of a stimuli imagecorresponding with the one or more objects, and comparing real-timebiological response data results in detecting trainee recognition of theone or more objects when the real-time biological response data matchesthe conditioned trainee response from the historical biological responserecord.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein comparing the biologicalresponse data of the trainee and detecting trainee recognition are bothperformed on a real-time basis with the receiving the biologicalresponse data of the trainee.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein: thetrainee has been conditioned to associate one of one or more objectswith the conditioned trainee response by repeatedly viewing one or morestimuli images followed by one or more visceral response-evoking images,one of the one or more stimuli images depicts the object, and each ofthe one or more stimuli images and the visceral response-evoking imageshave been presented to the trainee during conditioning for a duration oftime below conscious awareness of the trainee.
 12. The method of claim11, wherein the trainee does not link the conditioned trainee responsewith the object prior to being conditioned.
 13. The method of claim 11,wherein the one or more objects are one or more persons, and the stimuliimages include at least one facial image of each of the one or morepersons.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the visceralresponse-evoking image includes an attacking animal.
 15. The method ofclaim 11, further comprising conditioning the trainee by repeatedlydisplaying the stimuli images in succession with repeatedly displayingthe visceral response-evoking images until the conditioned traineeresponse becomes associated with the object in a mind of the trainee ina manner characterized by an absence of conscious awareness of theassociation by the trainee, wherein displaying the stimuli images anddisplaying the visceral response-evoking images each occur for smalltime periods such that the trainee does not consciously perceive eitherthe stimuli image or the visceral response-evoking image duringconditioning.
 16. The method of claim 1, wherein the trainee does notconsciously identify the one of the one or more objects while having theconditioned trainee response.